The city of Charlotte which owns and operates the Charlotte Douglas International Airport recently issued a Request For Proposal (RFP) for new Charlotte taxi service at the airport.  The RFP proposes significant changes including exclusive agreements and limitations on the number of taxis permitted to operate from the CLT Airport.

RFP for Charlotte Airport Taxi Service

• Issue up to a maximum of 3 operating agreements. The airport currently has 12 taxi companies operating from the Charlotte Airport.
• Operate taxis that are no more than 3 years old.
• All taxis must have a credit card payment device installed in the backseat.
• Reduce the number of taxi permits issued by 27% from 144 to 105 permits.
• Annual airport taxi fee will increase 140% from $1,250 to $3,000 per permit.
• The term of the airport taxi contract is a one year term with one year renewal options up to a maximum of 4 additional years.
• Taxi company is required to propose a trip charge amount.  The trip charge will be accessed to all taxi trips from the Charlotte Airport.  The trip charge fee will not be included in the taxi fare.
• The proposer must have at least 30 taxis affiliated with the company.
• RFP proposal deadline is scheduled for September 9, 2010.
• The airport contract is scheduled to start on November 1, 2010.

A growing number of major U.S. commercial airports are offering walk-up service for limousine service.  The PHX Airport contracts with six competing Phoenix limousine companies.  An Advanced reservation is not required but recommended.  The limousine rates are regulated by the PHX Airport and are based on geographical zones.

Walk-Up PHX Limousine Companies
Vehicle fleet and quality of service may vary among the competing Phoenix limousine companies that operate from the PHX Airport.  The on-demand fleet includes 8 and 10 passenger limousines.

All Star Trans: (480) 628-3722  [0 consumer reviews]
AMP Enterprises: (480) 961-1100  [0 consumer reviews]
Black Pearl Limo: (602) 290-8923  [0 consumer reviews]
Mechelle Limousine: (602) 501-5199  [6 consumer reviews]
Monarch Limousine: (602) 531-6132  [0 consumer reviews]
Zion Limousine: (602) 694-6064  [0 consumer reviews]

Phoenix Limousine Rates from the PHX Airport
Limousine rates range from $35 to $85 within the metro Phoenix area.  The rates are all inclusive with no hidden limousine fees.  A recommended gratuity for the chauffeur of 15 to 20% is not included in the rates.

Zone A – $35 | North to Camelback Rd, South to Beloat Rd,
East to Scottsdale Rd and West to 19th Ave.
Zone B – $45 | North to Shea Blvd, South to Pecos Rd,
East to Country Club Dr, West to 59th Ave.
Zone C – $55 | North to Union Hills Dr, South to Riggs Rd,
East to Val Vista Dr, West to 99th Ave.
Zone D – $65 | North to Jomax Rd, South to Judd Rd,
East to Sossaman Rd, West to Litchfield Rd.
Zone E – $75 | North to Carefree Hwy, South to Smith-Enke Rd,
East to Meridian Rd, West to Citrus Rd.
Zone F – $85 | North to Honda Bow Rd, South to Peters & Nail Rd,
East to Mountain View Rd, West to Rainbow Rd.

*Limousine service from the PHX Airport to beyond Zone F is negotiable and not regulated by the Phoenix Airport.

According to Todd Nemet, President of TransportationReviews.com, ” the airport limousine rates set by the PHX Airport are very competitive and are comparable to prices charged by competing limousine companies which drive executive sedans to and from the Phoenix Airport.  Executive sedans can comfortably transport up to 3 passengers while the stretch limousines operated by the contracted companies can accomodate 8 to 10 passengers and include more ammenities.”

BostonCoach, a leading limousine service provider, recently launched a new audit tool for travel procurement managers.  SmartReports (sm), allows travel managers to manage the costs associated with booking a limousine service.

According to Larry Moulter, President and CEO of BostonCoach, testing of the reports over the last year suggested that many companies are spending up to 23% more than anticipated for limousine service.

SmartReports (sm) allows business travel managers to compare the quoted price of a limousine reservation vs the actual cost of the service.  In addition, SmartReports (sm) provides detailed information regarding frequent users, top pick-up locations, the names of users who incur excessive wait-time fees and cancellation charges.

Recent News About BostonCoach

Nationwide Limousine Provider Uses Smartphone Application To Obtain Instant Consumer Feedback

After many years of debate including a commissioned independent Ground Transportation Study, the Salt Lake City council is proposing significant changes to taxis operating within the city.

3 Salt Lake City taxi companies including Yellow Cab, Ute Cab and City Cab have the exclusive right to provide taxi service within the city.  City Council is proposing to create a system in which the city will seek bids for contracts to provide taxicab service to the city.

Salt Lake City Taxi Service Proposals

• The 3 competing Salt Lake City taxi companies will no longer have the exclusive right to provide taxi service within the city.
• 2 taxi companies will be issued a contract for a term of 3 years with a renewal option which will extend the contract term for a specified number of years.
• Companies must drive a minimum number of taxis that are ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible.
• All vehicles must be equipped with GPS and include electronic credit card processing equipment.
• Vehicle fleet must operate taxis that are 5 years old or newer. The maximum odometer limit is 300k miles.
• Taxi fleet will include a minimum number of alternative fuel vehicles.
• Enforcement of taxis would be executed through civil fines and penalties rather than current criminal penalties.

Salt Lake City Ground Transportation Study
In 2005, an independent study was conducted by the Tennessee Transportation & Logistics Foundation.  The study recommended some of the following:

• Seek bids for taxi contracts with the city instead of issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity.
• Issue taxi contracts to two to four companies.
• Reduce the number of taxi permits 25% from 268 to 200 permits.
• Restrict the number of taxis waiting at the Salt Lake City Airport to a maximum of 20 taxis.
• Average age of taxi fleet ranged from 10 to 14 years.
• Drivers complained of excessive wait times to pickup passengers at the Salt Lake City Airport.  In some cases wait times required 2 to 3 hours to pickup a new taxi fare.
• Taxi drivers stated that they were unable to earn an acceptable wage limit.

The San Diego Airport recently adopted a new trip fee for taxi service originating at the SAN Airport.  A trip charge of $0.50 was implemented on August 1, 2010 in order to help the airport pay for expenses associated with administering taxi services at the airport.  Due to pending legislation, the trip fee is currently charged separately from the meter rate.  The separate fee has caused confusion among the traveling public.

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Taxicab Administration is responsible for regulating San Diego taxi companies and is also responsible for establishing the meter rate from the airport.  A proposal by San Diego Airport to add the airport trip fee to the meter was refused by Metropolitan Transit System without approval from the city of San Diego.

Taxi Rates From San Diego Airport
- Flag Drop: $2.50
- Distance Charge: $2.70 per mile
- Wait Time and Traffic Delay: $22 per hour
- Airport Fee: $0.50*

*Starting July 1, 2011 the airport fee will increase to $1.00

Recent Ground Transportation News in California

California Ground Transportation News

The current PHX Airport shuttle contract is expiring at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport.  The city of Phoenix, which owns and operates the PHX Airport issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on July 1, 2010.  The RFP for the airport contract recently closed on August 16, 2010.  Six proposals were submitted.  The current contract is operated by Arizona Super Shuttle which is operating on a month-to-month basis.

In November, the city of Phoenix is scheduled to announce which company will be awarded the exclusive PHX Airport shuttle contract.  The shuttle contract is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2011.

The PHX Airport shuttle contract will be awarded based on a point system.  Total available points is 100.  The company with the highest number of points wins the contract.  In case of a tie, the shuttle company with the highest proposed annual contract fee will be awarded the Phoenix Airport contract.

Total Available Points

• Proposed annual contract fee: 0-50 points
• Maximum shuttle fare from PHX Airport
  • 5-mile radius: 0-12.5 points
  • 15-mile radius: 0-12.5 points
  • 25-mile radius: 0-12.5 points
  • 35-mile radius: 0-12.5 points

RFP Specifications for PHX Shuttle Contract

• Minimum annual contract fee is $90,000.
• Duration of Shuttle Contract: 4 years with a one, 4 year renewal option.
• Provide on-demand shuttle service within a 35 mile radius, 24/7 days a week.
• General Manager must have 3 or more years experience managing a minimum of 20 vehicles.
• 5% of vehicles must be ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible.
• All shuttles must comply with alternative fuel requirements.
• Electronic credit card equipment must be installed in all shuttle vans.
• Pay the PHX Airport required Trip Fees.
• Permanent Fleet must be operational within 6 months.
  • 75% of the shuttles must be 2011 or newer.
  • 25% of the vans 2008 and newer.
• Interim Fleet: Operate up to 6 months from start of contract.
  • All shuttles must be 2007 or newer.
• Operational Requirement:
  • Traveler must be picked up within 15 minutes of arrival at the curb.
  • Shuttle van must leave the PHX Airport within 30 minutes of arrival at the curb.

Recent PHX Airport Ground Transportation News

PHX Airport Taxi Contract Awarded to Mayflower Cab
Top Phoenix Taxi Service Bid is Withdrawn at PHX Airport
Phoenix Awards PHX Taxi Service Contracts

The Atlanta Airport has recently proposed to significantly increase fees to Atlanta ground transportation companies which provide transportation services to and from the ATL Airport.  The proposal is in response to a decline in passenger volumes, rising costs, renegotiated airline leases (resulting in a loss of $17M in revenue) and an impending bond sale which will help pay for capital improvements including the Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

Under the current plan, Atlanta limousine and airport shuttle companies pay an annual fee based on the number of vehicles operating at the ATL Airport.  The new airport proposal would calculate fees based on a per-trip basis.  According to the Atlanta Airport, the proposal would increase annual fees from less than $1 million currently up to $2.7 million per year.

New ATL Airport Ground Transportation Proposal

Shuttles (including hotel shuttles):  $1.25 per trip
Limousines:  $1.00 per trip
Charter Buses:  $5 per trip
Off-Airport Parking Operators:  8% of gross revenue
Taxis:  No changes. Trip Fees increased from $.50 to $1.50 in 2009.

Most importantly, the new airport proposal would address concerns about the debt service requirements for the impending bond sale in order to pay for the new International Terminal.  The Atlanta Airport wants a 1.5 debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) before it goes to the bond market.  The proposed increase would result in a DSCR of approximately 1.41.

Carey International Inc, a worldwide leader in chauffeured transportation services, recently announced the official launch of a new lower-priced subsidiary.  The new brand is called Embarque and will offer limousine services at a lower rate as compared to it’s parent company, Carey Limousine.

Embarque limousine originally started in Chicago, Illinois in 2009 as a trial run and slowly expanded into additional markets including Boston, Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, Orange County, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Stamford, and the District of Columbia.  By the end of this year, Embarque limousine plans to expand service to additional markets including Dallas, Detroit and Miami.

Embarque limousine rates will be advertised up to 20 to 30 percent lower from it’s parent company, Carey Limousine.  Their vehicles will also offer less workspace and fewer in-vehicle amenities.  In addition, airport meet and greet service will not be offered or available to it’s customers.  Limousine rates will be advertised as all-inclusive with no “hidden fees“.  The base limousine rate will include fuel surcharges and a required gratuity of 15%.  Additional charges may apply for taxes, tolls and parking costs.

All vehicles within the Embarque limousine fleet will meet a minimum fuel standard of 20 miles per gallon for city use and 30 mpg for highway driving.  The vehicle fleet will include the Ford Fusion and the Toyota Camry and gas/electric hybrid vehicles.

The rates of California limousine companies of charter-party carriers vary significantly and are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) which is responsible for the regulation of all limousine companies operating within the state.  CPUC mandates that limousine rates must be based on either vehicle mileage and or time of use.  Per Passenger surcharges are not allowed under most circumstances.

Exceptions to Per Passenger Surcharges (Individual Fares)
- Round Trip Sightseeing operators.
- School Bus contractors compensated by a student parent.

Based on research conducted by Transportation Reviews, approximately 1 in 5 California limousine companies display their rates on their company website.  Refer to our top rated GroundCar Score™ companies in order to locate operators which may display limousine rates on their company website.

Recent California Limousine Company News

Some California Limousine Companies are Charging Sales Tax
California Ground Transportation News

The LAX FlyAway Bus provides non-stop airport shuttle service to and from the Los Angeles Airport.  The FlyAway Bus currently operates 4 routes including Union Station, Van Nuys, Westwood and Irvine.  The bus is funded by the Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) which also owns and operates the LAX Airport.

Door-to-Door LAX Airport Shuttle Service

The airport also offers door-to-door airport shuttle service to and from the Los Angeles Airport to your home, office or hotel.  The LAX Airport has exclusive contracts with California Super Shuttle and Prime Time Shuttle.

LAX FlyAway Bus Routes
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) – Los Angeles County
-Union Station terminal is located in downtown Los Angeles.
-Bus rate is $7 from Union Station to LAX Airport.
-Commute time is typically 25 to 45 minutes.
-Daily parking is available at $6 per day.

Van Nuys Bus Terminal – Los Angeles County
-Located at 7610 Woodley Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406
-Bus rate is $7 from Van Nuys to LAX Airport.
-Commute time is typically 45 minutes.
-Daily parking is available at $4 per day.

Westwood Bus Stop – Los Angeles County
-Located at UCLA at 11075 Kinross Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024.
-Bus rate is $5 from UCLA to LAX Airport.
-Commute time is typically 45 minutes.
-Daily parking is available at $7 per day (restrictions apply).

Irvine Metrolink Station – Orange County
-Located at 15215 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618
-Bus rate is $25 from OC to LAX Airport.
-Commute time is typically 60 minutes (50 miles).
-Daily parking is free.

The FlyAway bus drops off passengers at the upper / departure level at each terminal.  Passengers board the FlyAway LAX shuttle from the lower / arrival level in front of all terminals.  Look for the green “FlyAway, Buses and Long Distance Vans” sign.